The state minimum standards require providers to obtain 20 clock hours of training each year to maintain licensure. The state of Alabama is in the process of implementing Pathways to Professional Development to encourage providers to obtain higher and higher levels of expertise, skill, and credentialing. Alabama is also creating a Quality Rating Improvement System. Barriers to obtaining the minimum requirements for licensing as well as having access to professional development and improvement programs include training scheduled at times and places that make attendance difficult to arrange, as well as training topics that too often focus on center-based rather than home-based child care concerns.
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- To provide one-on-one, home-based education and assistance individualized to the specific needs and quality improvement goals of the provider.
- To support and reward efforts to move beyond licensing standards toward NAFCC accreditation level standards.
- To promote professionalism within the family child care community.
- To reduce economic barriers family child care provider face in seeking opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills.
- To increase provider knowledge of institutional, educational, financial, and social resources supporting the implementation of best practices.
- To promote the creation of a statewide provider association.